At the turn of this century, Greg Bain, a second-generation custom homebuilder, embarked with his wife, Clare LaMeres, on a mission to find the finest location on Flathead Lake to build their dream home. No stone would go unturned in their quest to discover the piece of Montana waterfront land that would meet their stringent requirements. Greg and Clare wanted a location that felt secluded and private, preferably an “end of the road” spot, near shopping and conveniences. They also wanted a …
The first feature that stands out in this kitchen is the large island with prep sink and the natural wood bar top placed perpendicular to it. The wood ties the countertop to the overhead beams and cabinetry. Note that the island cabinets are painted distressed wood while the rest are natural. The large stone arch over the stove accommodates the range hood as well as two display shelves. The tile behind the stove complements the cream-colored …
One would never assume that the country cabin belonging to Mike and Clarice Cryder is a “second” home. It’s lived in, inhabited to the point of comfort akin to a favorite bathrobe and pair of slippers. The mudroom (a spacious slate-floored closet with custom cabinetry) harbors every sort of weather garment and footwear a person could want or, more importantly, need in the mountainous terrain of Red Lodge, Montana. “Our primary residence is in Billings,” says Clarice, “but Mike and I take every opportuni…
There’s just something about Jeff and Robyn Call’s log cabin home that makes people—its owners included—pause and take a deep breath as they cross the threshold. “The smell of the wood and the logs literally takes your breath away; it’s the first thing I noticed when we walked into the home eight years ago,” says Robyn, who adds that the couple considered both ground-up building projects and those that were already constructed during their search for the right second home. In the end, they selected a sp…
Bedrooms 1. Add a fireplace for those frosty winter mornings when you’d rather linger in bed. Consider electric, pellet, or gas options. 2. Make your bedroom a refuge by using plenty of soft surfaces—rugs, curtains, pillows—to ensure peace and quiet. 3. Create a bunkroom for kids with tree-trunk supports and branches throughout to make it feel like they are sleeping in a treehouse! 4. Tuck an office nook behind a sliding barn door or heavy curtains. 5. Buil…
This home is perfectly oriented toward panoramic views on three sides. A private top floor deck allows the owners to enjoy the beauty of their surroundings. The stone foundation and pillars anchor the home to the ground…
The glass doors separating the great room from the porch fold back to create an enormous space for entertaining. The identical roof timbers match well with the top structure of the glass doors…
Nearly all of the homeowners we interview for this magazine express the desire to share their log or timber frame bounty with family and friends. Some accommodate their guests in an extra bedroom or loft bunkroom, while others take the extra step of creating a guest suite in their home or building a separate guest house on their property. All guests appreciate a well-designed space that reflects the décor in the main part of the home and blends just as seamlessly into the landscape. …
The different types of construction and terms used to describe log and timber homes can be confusing to home buyers, especially when it comes to timber frame and post-and-beam homes. While the terms are sometimes used interchangeably, there are important distinctions between the two types of construction, and key questions to ask when you are planning your own home. “There are some basic similarities to post-and-beam construction and authentic timber framing,” says Stephanie Jo…
When you plan a home—whether it is a vacation getaway or your primary home—there is a long list of important criteria to consider. Location often tops the list, followed closely by lifestyle. Nestled in a valley on more than 400 acres of rolling, forested hills in southwestern Wisconsin, this stunning timber-style home meets all the criteria for homeowners Mary and Jonathan. It’s within easy driving distance of their primary residence in Iowa, is set on plenty of acreage, and is spacious enough for ente…
After building and living in several different types of home, a Montana couple decided to combine logs and timber in a very innovative way. By mixing timber and stone on the outside and adding a decidedly contemporary look to the interior, they constructed a home that oozes good taste and pride of ownership. Located in Bozeman, Montana, and owned by a pair of young professionals, the two-story, 3,800-square-foot abode was built by Dovetail Construction of Bozeman. Tim Rote, Dovetail’s owner, says his co…
There may still be snow on the mountain peaks in some parts of North America, but there are many signs of the coming spring. The sun is warmer and the trees are sprouting new green foliage. The crocuses are blooming and the daffodils, lilies, and irises are showing signs of life. Indigenous animals are coming out of hibernation and reclaiming their territory (note the deer at the tree line in this photograph). Being a natural material, the wood of log & timber homes never looks b…
